St. Maarten/St. Martin Car Rentals
- On the Roads of the "Friendly Island" -

Whether you are accommodated on the French or the Dutch side of the island, make sure to visit both countries. Don´t be afraid to get lost! There is only one main road that leads around the basically circular shaped island. Feel free to use our online maps to guide you, and our Island Tour to learn about interesting places to see.

Most island visitors require a rental car as public transport is limited and taxis are an expensive choice. More than 100 rental car companies compete for your business.

Some of the international rental car agencies are represented on St Maarten/St Martin, especially at the Princess Juliana airport (SXM), and many local rental car agents offer vehicles of various types, from compact cars, to Jeeps and 4WD´s.

When touring the island, you will notice a difference in atmosphere in the two parts of the island.

The French side has a touch of Latin, French Mediterranean ambiance with typical "savoir vivre", i.e. know to enjoy life. This is especially true for great food! Don´t miss to explore the French gastronomy, and pay a visit to one of the fine restaurants in the "Gourmet Capital" of Grand Case.

The Dutch side is noticeably influenced by the American way of life and you will feel more of a "Las Vegas"-type of atmosphere. Casinos, boutiques,, golf course, and beaches lined with bars, restaurants and watersport activities will keep you entertained. While getting around, you will see great panoramic views!

Gas prices are higher than US-prices, around $3.40/gal. or $ - $0.90/liter as of 1/2016 on Dutch side.

Editor's OpinionRental cars in low season may cost as little as $20/day. You get, what you pay for. We saw some of these cars with dents everywhere, tires in unsafe condition, locks not working, and much more. Think twice! Is it worthwhile to screw your vacation for a $10/day saving? Be realistic, a reasonable car cost at least $30/day in low season, and $40 in high season!

Rental Car License Plate -St. Martin - French side The St. Martin French license plates do not contain an identifier like on the Dutch side. The Dutch side license plates begin with the letter "R", which indicates, it is a rental car and tourist.

How does it work at the airport?When you leave the exit gate at the Princess Juliana airport in St. Maarten, you see the sales booths of approx. 12 rental car companies. They don't do the handover of cars. In order to get the car, you either need to go for the shuttle of the rental car company, you are booked with, or you are met by the agent, when leaving the building, and you are given the car on the public parking lot. There is no rental car parking and facilities on the airport grounds. All are off site between 300 yds, and 1 - 2 miles off the airport. The agents, which give you the car "on the fly" at the public parking, they wait for you outside the terminal building. They are not allowed to wait inside the terminal.

Dense Traffic at TimesAfter you got your rental car, your patience might be challenged.On the way from the airport to most island destinations are tow bridges, which can block the traffic for a while. The traffic is dense at times, even without bridge closing!

For tow bridge opening times, click on photo!

Please, plan more time for driving as the distance may indicate!

The drawbridge in Simpson Bay on the way to Marigot and Philipsburg.

Rodael Car Rental, Coralita Rd #2, Mary's Fancy

559-8891
542-5155

Safari Car Rental, Airport Rd, Simpson Bay

545-3185

The Guilder trick at Dutch side gas stationsAll Dutch side gas stations charge gas in liters and Netherlands Antilles Guilders (NAF) and the attendant converts the total in US-$. The gas pumps are US-imports and may show the $ sign on top of the meter although it is the NAF - total! Some pump attendants use the confusion and ask for the NAF amount in US-$, which is supported by the incorrect labeling. This rip-off increases the price by 80% !

Motorcycles -ATV's - Scooters

Motorcycles - ATV's - Scooters

Go Scoot

544-3233

Eugène Motos, Marigot, Road to Sandy Ground, close to tourist office

590 871-397

Harley Davidson Dealer, Cole BayPOST HURRICANE IRMA NOTICE: They still have bikes for island tours and do the Harley Davidson Service across the Street at the Colebayboys. Their building was completely destroyed, but will be rebuilt.

Large Rental Car ChoiceThere are more than 100 rental car companies actively pursuing business on both sides of the island. No real market leaders, most are small companies. Even the franchised outlets of Hertz, Budget, Avis are by far not the size as stations in the USA. There are about 12 rental car sales counters at the airport (SXM). There is no car rental parking directly at the airport.